The National Federation Party has moved to quash reports that it backs the contentious Vuda waste-to-energy proposal, with party president Parmod Chand insisting the NFP has never supported the project and accusing one of its MPs of making “misleading” public claims. The statement is the latest development after internal comments by NFP deputy speaker and MP Lenora Qereqeretabua drew attention to the party’s position.
In a public statement, Mr Chand said it was “absolutely clear” the NFP had not expressed support for the proposed Vuda facility and that suggestions the party was divided over the matter were false. “Contrary to Party MP Hon Lenora Qereqeretabua’s claim, the NFP has never expressed any support for the proposed Vuda waste to energy project,” he said, adding that “there is no dissent within the NFP on this issue… At no stage she asked the Party or its leader on our stand.”
Chand reiterated that the party’s approach remains focused on process rather than endorsement. He called for broad public consultation and a thorough Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) before any major development proceeds, warning that those procedures “must not be compromised” and that Fijians should have every opportunity to scrutinise projects that could affect the environment. “The proposed Vuda waste to energy project is not an exception,” he said. “It must be subjected to intense scrutiny.”
The NFP president also criticised the way Ms Qereqeretabua aired her views, saying MPs should first use internal government channels. Noting her role as Deputy Speaker, Chand said she was well aware of parliamentary procedures and standing orders. “She should have first expressed her views within the Government caucus before posting it on social media,” he said, stressing that while parliamentarians are free to speak, internal party and government processes should be respected.
Chand sought to temper perceptions that a final decision on Vuda had already been taken, pointing to confirmations from the top of government. He said Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, Environment Minister Lynda Tabuya and Lands Minister Filimoni Vosarogo have all indicated that no final decision has been made on the project. That, Chand argued, underlines the need for due process rather than premature declarations of party or government support.
The NFP clarification arrives amid growing public interest in the proposed Vuda scheme, which supporters say could provide national infrastructure benefits while critics raise environmental and consultation concerns. With the government and key ministers reportedly yet to finalise any approval and the NFP stressing independent assessment, the next public milestones are likely to be the formal EIA process and any scheduled consultations that would inform a cabinet decision.